West Bengal faces a potential flood threat following the sudden release of 65,000 cusecs of water by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) on Vijaya Dashami, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on Thursday. The release, she claimed, occurred without any prior notice to the state, worsening the situation amid ongoing heavy rains and a new low-pressure system.
The Chief Minister expressed her outrage, stating on her X handle, “Bijoya Dashami marks the close of Durga Puja — a time for joy, cheer and renewed hope. Yet instead of allowing the people of West Bengal to conclude the festival in peace, the DVC released 65,000 cusecs of water without any prior notice to the State. This reckless act is nothing short of an attempt to inflict misery during our sacred festivities.”
Mamata described the DVC’s move as a “unilateral action” and “shameful,” warning that the state would resist any threats to its people. She added, “Let me be clear: I will not allow anyone to carry out a Bisarjan (immersion) of Bengal. Every conspiracy against our people will be resisted with full force. Truth will prevail over deceit and good will triumph over evil. Joy Maa Durga!”
The Alipore Meteorological Department has predicted that the deep depression over Odisha will move northwestwards, affecting South Bengal and other regions for the next seven days with heavy rains and gusty winds. The sudden water release has heightened the risk of flooding in districts including Burdwan, Bankura and Midnapore.
On the Chief Minister’s instructions, district administrations have issued alerts in riverside areas and evacuation processes have begun for residents in vulnerable villages and low-lying areas.
This is not the first time Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over unannounced water releases by the DVC. In earlier instances, she had warned that the state might take measures, including constructing a dam, if the DVC did not cooperate. As of now, no official response has been received from the DVC regarding the latest allegations.
Also read: Heavy rains to continue in Kolkata, Durga Puja dampened
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